Comparison of the Oxi/Ferm and N/F systems for identification of infrequently encountered nonfermentative and oxidase-positive fermentative bacilli

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Abstract
The N/F system and the Oxi/Ferm Tube were evaluated in parallel for identification of infrequently encountered nonfermentative gram-negative bacilli and oxidase-positive, fermentative gram-negative bacilli selected from fresh clinical [human] isolates and stock cultures. When compared with conventional media, the Flow N/F system correctly identified 97.7% (86 of 88) of all strains tested. No organisms were misidentified, but this system failed to identify 2 strains. Six supplemental tests were needed for the complete identification of 16 strains (18%); however, correct results were obtained within 48 h for 85% of the isolates. The Oxi/Ferm method correctly identified 87.5% of the isolates; 7% were incorrectly identified and the method failed to identify 5 strains. Seventeen supplemental tests were required to identify 64 strains (73%). Complete identification within 48 h was obtained for 60% of the organisms tested.